Latest news with #POWMIA
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
What is flag day? How we celebrate in WA
SEATTLE - Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 every year. The holiday was established to commemorate the date the United States approved the first design for the national flag. The first version of the flag was approved in 1777. There are specific ways here at home in Washington state we mark Flag Day. The Washington legislature passed a law in 2012 that the POW/MIA flag is to be flown along with the state and national flags. In addition to Flag Day, the POW/MIA flag is ordered to fly on the following days: Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May Memorial Day on the last Monday in May Independence Day on July 4 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27 National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday in September Veterans Day on November 11 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7 The origin of the flag dates back to the 1970s. "In 1971, Mrs. Michael Hoff, the wife of a U.S. military officer listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War, developed the idea for a national flag to remind every American of the U.S. servicemembers whose fates were never accounted for during the war," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dig deeper In March 2025, the mayor of Newscastle, Washington clashed with an LGBTQ activist over the decision to fly the POW/MIA flag while revoking approval to fly the pride flag during pride month last year. This year, new rules provided guidance for how different flags can be flown at official buildings in Tacoma. The Source Information in this story came from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. Costco to offer early shopping hours for Executive Members. Here's what to know Lone survivor of Air India crash reportedly recalls "loud noise" after takeoff 8 people arrested during anti-ICE protest in Seattle Home of Seattle rapper Macklemore invaded, nanny maced: police WA deputies arrest teens for pistol-whipping boy, armed robberies Cyberattack hits supplier to Whole Foods and PCC; could impact store supplies To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff today? Iowa flags lowered until noon
Flags around Iowa will be lowered to half-staff on May 26, according to orders from Gov. Kim Reynolds to commemorate Memorial Day. Flags around Iowa will be lowered from sunrise to noon on May 26 in honor of Memorial Day. The National League of Families POW/MIA flag will be flown on the Capitol grounds for the entire day. 'This Memorial Day we remember our country's heroes and are deeply humbled by the great debt they paid on our behalf,' Reynolds said in a news release. 'We honor the brave men and women who have gone to battle and paid the ultimate price so we can live in a free nation. Kevin and I join with all Iowans as we reflect on the powerful reminder that our liberty can only be preserved through sacrifice and service.' Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff. Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole. When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy. Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff today? Iowa flags lowered on Memorial Day
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$15,000 monument to be installed at the Russell County Veterans Memorial
RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — The Russell County Veterans Memorial will receive a new POWMIA monument. On Monday, the Russell County Commission unanimously voted for the Russell County Veterans Memorial to receive a new $15,000 monument. Jerry Simmons is a Vietnam veteran who was drafted into the armed forces. He now serves as the director of the memorial. 'When I left Vietnam and was coming home and everything we the mia and pow were almost forgotten about and people weren't talking about the mia's pows and I told myself I would never let them be forgotten. Mia's and POWS should never be forgotten. Actually no veteran should be able to be forgotten.' Jerry Simmons, Director of Russell County Memorial Simmons says they have been working to get this monument for two years. Now, the goal is to have the monument installed by Veterans Day. Simmons says the monument is a way to keep memories alive. 'That's what it's all about to me,' Simmons says.'Is for veterans and their families to come out here and just sit down and reflect and the memories of what it was to be in the military or someone in the military.' 'It's an opportunity for the community to come together and a brotherhood,' Simmons explains. 'It's a relationship. It's a strand, runs through everyone of the same strength. We're all got something. We all got that camaraderie, something we all put on the line for our country.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
